Albania Gjirokaster

Gjirokaster is a town and a municipality in southern Albania. Lying in the historical region of Epirus, it is the capital of Gjirokaster County. Its old town is inscribed on the World Heritage List as "a rare example of a well-preserved Ottoman town, built by farmers of large estate." Gjirokaster is situated in a valley between the Gjere mountains and the Drino River, at 300 m (984 ft) above sea level. The city is overlooked by the Gjirokaster Castle where Gjirokaster National Folklore Festival is held every five years. Gjirokaster is the birthplace of former Albanian communist leader Enver Hoxha and notable writer Ismail Kadare. It hosts the Eqerem Cabej University.